LESSON 2 Wudu & Salat (Part 1) www.discoverislam.co.uk 0207 4718 275
Today s Agenda Review of Last Week s Lesson (Lesson 1 - Shahadatayn) Lesson Two Wudu & Salat (Part 1) Obligatory and recommended actions Explanation and overview of Wudu and Ghusl Understand the importance of Salat (prayer) Review the revelation and historical context of Salat in Qur an Learn the spiritual aspects of the prayer Continue Learning Surah Fatihah
Spectrum of Actions FARD: Obligatory Reward for doing it. Punished for not doing it. MUSTAHAB: Recommended Rewarded for doing it. MUBAH: Allowed Most acts of life MAKROOH: Disliked Rewarded for not doing it. HARAM: Prohibited Punished for doing it. Rewarded for not doing it.
Obligatory & Recommended Actions Two great axioms in our religion: Anything dealing with daily life (material world) is permissible unless proven to be prohibited» Means things default to lawful unless proven otherwise» Most things lawful in world few prohibitions» Must make effort to know rulings can t claim ignorance Anything dealing with worship is prohibited unless it is proven permissible» Means things default to prohibited unless proven otherwise» Can t invent things in the religion» Can t add or take away from religion» Religion protected by making strict rules» Many rules and guidelines regarding worship» Must make effort to know rulings can t claim ignorance
Priority of Actions Priority of Fard Actions Fard first - should focus on fulfilling Fard actions first One should never leave something that is fard (required) for something that is mustahab (recommended) In general, can not compensate for deficiencies in Fard acts of worship by doing extra recommended acts In general, reward for Fard acts much higher than Mustahab Responsibility of every Muslim to learn Fard ayn Must seek knowledge
What is Wudu & Ghusl? Ritual purification Wudu - is what is performed to purify yourself from a minor state of impurity. This would include things like: After any excretions from the private area Falling asleep Passing gas Falling asleep Unconsciousness Contact with genitals Ghusl - is performed to purify yourself from a major state of impurity. This would include things like: Sexual intercourse Completion of the menstrual period
Why Perform Wudu & Ghusl? Required for most ritual acts Inward cleanliness Purifying the soul of diseases of the heart such as pride, envy, and love of the world Outward cleanliness Avoiding transgressions Being obedient Physical purification
Wudu Hadith: Abu Huraira reported: Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: When a bondsman-a Muslim or a believer-washes his face (in course of ablution), every sin he contemplated with his eyes, will be washed away from his face along with water, or with the last drop of water; when he washes his hands, every sin they wrought will be effaced from his hands with the water, or with the last drop of water; and when he washes his feet, every sin towards which his feet have walked will be washed away with the water or with the last drop of water with the result that he comes out pure from all sins. Translation of Sahih Muslim, Book 2, Number 0475 Qur an: ي ا أ ي ه ا ال ذ ين آم ن وا إ ذ ا ق م ت م إ ل ى الص الة فاغ س ل وا و ج وه ك م و أ ي د ي ك م إ ل ى ال م ر اف ق و ام سح وا ب ر ؤ وس ك م و أ ر ج ل ك م إ ل ى ال ك ع ب ين و إ ن ك نت م ج ن ب ا ف اط ه ر وا و إ ن ك نت م م ر ض ى أ و ع ل ى س ف ر أ و ج اء أ ح د م نك م م ن ال غ ائ ط أ و ال م س ت م الن س اء ف ل م ت ج د وا م اء ف ت ي م م وا ص ع يد ا ط ي ب ا ف ام س ح وا ب و ج وه ك م ل ي ج ع ل ع ل ي ك م م ن ح ر ج و ل ك ن ي ر يد ل ي ط ه ر ك م و ل ي ت م ن ع م ت ه ع ل ي ك م ل ع ل ك م ت ك ر و ن و أ ي د يك م م ن ه م ا ي ر يد للا O ye who believe! when ye prepare for prayer, wash your faces, and your hands (and arms) to the elbows; Rub your heads (with water); and (wash) your feet to the ankles. If ye are in a state of ceremonial impurity, bathe your whole body. But if ye are ill, or on a journey, or one of you cometh from offices of nature, or ye have been in contact with women, and ye find no water, then take for yourselves clean sand or earth, and rub therewith your faces and hands, Allah doth not wish to place you in a difficulty, but to make you clean, and to complete his favour to you, that ye may be grateful. Surah Al-Ma'idah (The Table Spread) 5:6
Why Perform Wudu & Ghusl? Allah does not accept the salah of one who breaks his wudu until he performs it again. (hadith, Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud and at-tirmidhi) Being in a state of ritual purity (tahara) allows one to make the intention of being in a state of worship in anything they do. Purification (tahara), in the context of wudu, means lifting a state of ritual impurity (removing filth, and matters similar to this)
Components of Wudu Intention: To fulfill the requirements of cleanliness as well as get baraka (blessing) for the activity, you must do it properly, with intention. Supplication for Intention:» I take refuge in Allah from the accursed Devil (Ah- oothoo billahi meen ashaitani rajeem)» In the name of Allah (Bismillah)» Most Gracious, Most Merciful (Ar-Rahman, Ar-Rahim)
spring/summer 2007 lesson 2: Wudu & Salat (Part 1) Components of Wudu Physical acts Wash hands Rinse mouth three times Rinse nose three times Wash face three times» Pass wetted fingers through beard (men) Wash arms three times Wipe entire head including ears Wash feet
Other Considerations for Wudu Anything that prevents water from touching the skin, even if it s a small part, invalidates the Wudu Nail polish, false nails There are certain steps one can take in order to make wudu easier when not at home Wipe over shoe, sock Wipe under head scarf (hairline at forehead)
When to perform Ghusl It s required after Becoming a Muslim Sexual intercourse or gratification Completion of the menstrual period After post-natal bleeding It s recommended Before the Friday prayer (Salah al-jumu ah) Before Eid Before Hajj or Umrah
Components of Ghusl Intention Wash impurities off of body Make Wudu Wash entire body Start with right half Complete left half
Ritual Impurity Avoidances When in a minor state of ritual impurity, one May not touch a Qur an May not perform prayers When in a state of major ritual impurity, one May not read from Qur an May not fast
What is Salat? Linguistically, prayer means supplication or verbal prayer As a term, it is used to mean a set of rituals that involves worship of the entire body Serves as a direct communication channel between the servant and Allah There are five prescribed daily prayers during specified times, each with a specific number of cycles Salat is obligatory
Importance of Salat Pillar of Islam First thing the servant is asked about on the Day of judgment Covenant between Muslims and Allah Firm anchor in a Muslim s life Differentiate Muslims from non-muslims
Why do we perform Salat? Muslims are ordered by Allah to offer Salat All of Allah s rules are governed by Allah s wisdom We may or may not see the wisdom in everything. But we believe that Allah s actions and rules are a manifestation of His wisdom We submit to Allah and believe that wisdom is the underpinning of everything that occurs in the world good or bad
Benefits of Salat Salat eradicates evil and immoral behavior Preserves one s religion It purifies the heart and polishes it It puts the servant in direct communication with Allah 5 times per day, as a reminder of our role on earth and the reality of the world Renews the covenant between the servant and Allah Inculcates belief in the heart Key Learning: Salat is vital for the Believer. New Muslims should protect their Salat and keep it intact (pray them properly, on time and never miss any prayers intentionally). The Salat protects your belief and it is a proof that you are a Muslim.
More Benefits of Salat A dialogue between the servant and Allah which occurs as one performs Salat Every act of worship has its own light that provides spiritual illumination Has therapeutic benefits Teaches the believer to have self discipline Unifies the community of Muslims Many more benefits
Salat Salat is obligatory on all sane adults (7 years and older) Those who perform Salat are obeying Allah and those who don t are disobeying Allah One must pray as soon as he/she learns to One must learn as soon as possible Belief must be coupled with action It requires discipline and will take time Women do not pray during their menstrual cycle
Spirituality in the Salat In prayer, a person feels inner happiness, peace, and comfort, and that God is pleased with him or her The Prophet Muhammad SAW said: Bilal, call (the people) to prayer, let us be comforted by it Prayer renews remembrance of Allah & strengthens one s faith One should try to maintain presence of heart throughout the prayer The servant only has from his prayer that which he is cognizant of Presence of heart is the spirit of Salat. The least of which is presence of heart when entering the prayer Salah without presence of heart is like a paralyzed person Presence of heart means that action and words must be the same in one s mind and there should be no other distracting thoughts
Spirituality in the Salat Understanding the meaning of words uttered in Salat Exalting Allah and sensing His greatness Hope in Allah s mercy, forgiveness and reward Humility and feeling one s shortcomings and sins when standing before Allah If one is praying regularly and still committing wrong acts, shows that prayer is not being offered with sincerity Outcome of Salat is reflected in ones daily matters of life and the way one deals with creation of God
Continue Learning Surah Fatihah Arabic ب س م للا الر ح م ن الر ح يم.1 ال ح م د لل ر ب ال ع ال م ين.2 الر ح من الر ح يم.3 م ال ك ي و م الد ين.4 إ ي اك ن ع ب د وإ ي اك ن س ت ع ين.5 اهد ن ا الص ر اط الم ست ق يم.6 ص ر اط ال ذ ين أ نع مت ع ل يه م غ يرالم غض وب ع ل يه م.7 و ال الض ال ين Transliteration 1. Bismillah Ar-Rahman Ar-Rahim 2. Alhumdulillahi Rabil Alameen 3. Ar-Rahman Ar-Rahim 4. Maliki yawm-ideen 5. Iyyaka na abudu wa iyyaka nastaeen 6. Ihdina as sirata al mustaqeem 7. Sirata allatheena an-amta alayhim ghayril maghdoobi alayhim waladaaleen English Translation 1. In The Name of God, Most Beneficent, Most Merciful 2. Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds. 3. Most Beneficent, Most Merciful. 4. Master of The Day of Judgment, 5. Thee do we worship, Thine Aid we seek. 6. Show us the straight way. 7. The way of those on whom Thou has bestowed Thy grace, Those whose (portion) is not Wrath. And who go not astray.
LESSON 2 Appendix www.discoverislam.co.uk 0207 4718 275
Other Hygiene Considerations Cleanliness is part of deen. Islam is not just a religion but a way of life, and we have the example of the Prophet Muhammad SAW to show us how to maintain our cleanliness Hair Oral hygiene Perfume Using the restroom Uncertainty Remove dirt from body at reasonable intervals Avoid impure substances Nails Special considerations for menstruating women
Other Hygiene Considerations Hair Remove hair from genital area and underarms It is prohibited to shape the eyebrows Wearing false hair is prohibited Oral hygiene Use a toothpick or floss to remove food from between teeth It is a sunnah to clean one s mouth with siwak, and is strongly recommended before worship.
Other Hygiene Considerations Using the restroom Enter with the left foot first, and exit with the right foot first Make supplication when entering and leaving Do not invoke Allah (except in your heart) Avoid facing the qibla (direction of prayer) Wash away impurities, especially genital area Impure substances Urine, blood, pus, wine, dogs, pigs These lead to minor ritual impurity Wash these out as soon as possible
Other Hygiene Considerations Perfume It is a sunnah for men to use perfume, especially when attending the Friday (jumu ah) prayer and other congregations Women should avoid perfumes or scented lotions outside the home Nails Keep trimmed and clean
Other Hygiene Considerations Special considerations for menstruating women While menstruating, it is prohibited to: Perform salah Touch the Qur an (translations are okay) Reading the Qur an Fast Remain in the masjid Have sexual intercourse Perform wudu or ghusl with the intent to remove a state of impurity
Additional Considerations Uncertainty In general, an uncertain state cannot remove a certain state If one is certain that wudu was performed, but not certain whether a minor ritual impurity has occurred, then one still has wudu Guidelines for water In general, the water one uses to perform a ritual purification should be Clean, and not changed so much (either in taste, odor or color) that it is no longer water If naturally occurring» Running water» Large volume of standing water (pond, lake)
Glossary Ayat: Lit: a sign. Usually means a verse of the Qur'an. The Qur'an also speaks of natural phenomena such as the sun, trees, sea, etc., as being among the 'Signs of God'. We cannot see Him directly but we may come to know Him through His signs in what He has created and what He has revealed in the Qur'an. Iman: Belief, or faith Islam: Lit. submission or Peace. Peace through the submission to the will of God as mediated through His final Messenger. Muslim: One who practices Islam; a person submitting to the will of God. Salat: The canonical prayer. The means given by Allah for mankind to make contact with him. It is a worship of the whole person; heart, mind, tongue and body. It is the second of the five pillars of Islam. Wudu: Ritual ablution. Before the prayer it is necessary to perform wudu. Ghusl: The major ritual ablution, effected by the washing of every part of the body with clean running water. Recommended before taking Shahada; declaration of Faith, Jum'a; congregational Friday Prayer only obligatory for men, and Eid Prayer performed on the occasion of the two Eid's. Fard: An obligatory act, like the Prayer (Salat) or the Annual Fast (Ramadan) Mustahab: A recommended act; reward is received for doing the action, like performing extra prayers Sunnah:The example of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in character and behavior. As he is both the exponent of the Qur'an in practical human life and the model of perfect humanity. When Muslims follow the example of the Prophet, even in one simple act they are making a link not only with the Prophet but also with Allah.It is the second source of the Shariah, after the Qur'an.
Glossary Mubah: The very wide area of action which, in Islamic law, is neither made compulsory nor prohibited. Makruh: 'Disliked', an action not expressly forbidden, but preferably avoided if possible. Haram: Anything forbidden by God. Qur an: Lit. Recitation, lecture. The Holy Book of Islam, the uncreated word of God, the final scripture as presented to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through the Angel Gabriel. Hadith: A report verifying how the Holy Prophet performed an action, dealt with an incident or reacted to a situation together with any dialogue which took place at the time. Salat ul Jum uah: The Friday congregational worship, required of all adult males not on a journey. It replaces the Zuhr (midday prayer) on Friday with a public address called a Khutba (sermon) followed by two Rak'at (units) of the collective salat. Siwak: Toothbrush made from a twig of arak wood. It is recommended dental hygiene and breath freshener to be used before Salat; prayer, as part of Wudu; purification, or at any other time. Tahara: The state of being in ritual purity. Qibla: The direction of the Ka'ba in Makkah, towards which Muslims turn to pray. Nawaafil (Nafl): An optional act of worship usually carried out before and/or after a Fard: obligatory act of worship. Baraka: Blessing, grace.
FAQs Wudu: What, really, is the purpose of physical purification? A Muslim strives toward inward and outward purity, and that wudu is one way to achieve this outward purity» Inward cleanliness: purify the soul of diseases of the heart such as pride, envy, love of the world, etc.» Outward cleanliness: divided into (1) avoiding transgressions and being obedient, and (2) purification by removing excessive hair/nails, cleaning dirt and keeping ritual ablution. The Prophet (s) said religion is based on cleanliness, and Allah is clean and likes cleanliness.
FAQs Wudu: What s the difference between Wudu and Ghusl? Wudu is what is performed to purify yourself from a minor state of impurity. This would include things like:» After any excretions from the private area» Falling asleep» Passing gas Ghusl is performed to purify yourself from a major state of impurity. This would include things like:» Sexual intercourse» Completion of the menstrual period
FAQs Salat: How many times do we need to pray daily?» The 5 obligatory prayers. There are many optional and extra prayers as well Can I offer Salat in my own language?» NO. The obligatory prayers must be read in Arabic. Du a or supplications, can be offered in ANY language. Can I combine all the daily prayers and offer them once?» NO. The obligatory prayers must be performed in their set times. If something is forgotten, or someone is detained and unable to pray, then the prayer can be made up. There are special circumstances around traveling. If one does not offer 5 daily prayer still considered Muslim?» The prayer is considered the rope to Allah. When someone does not offer the prayers that were prescribed by Allah, then in a sense they are questioning Allah s authority over all creation..
FAQs Salat: How does one get ready to offer the Salat?» The simple answer is perform wudu, or ghusl, making sure that you are in a ritual state of purity (tahara),and make the intention for the prayer. But the prayer should not be a rote action. You must prepare yourself spiritually by concentrating on the prayer, and being in a state of mind to stand before Allah. How long does each Salat take?» About 5 minutes. It can be much longer if you decide to really contemplate Allah during the prayer, or if you recite longer verses of the Quran. Where do I offer Salat?» Anywhere! As long as it s clean. The entire earth can be a masjid (place of prostration). Of course if you can pray at the masjid, there is reward in congregational prayers, but never miss a prayer because you re not near a masjid.
References www.islamway.com A Simple Guide to Prayer for Beginners, Batool Al-Toma, Islamic Foundation, Islamia Media The Holy Qur an,translated by Abdullah Yusuf Ali, Amana Publications, Beltsville, Maryland. 2001. Al-Maqasid: Nawawi s Manual of Islam, Translated by Nuh Ha Mim Keller, Amana Publications, Beltsville, Maryland. 2002. The Reliance of the Traveller, Ahmad ibn Naqib al-misri (translated by Nuh Ha Mim Keller), Sunna Books, Evanston, Illinois. 1993.